Celiac disease is a reaction of the immune system's to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten helps food retain its shape and acts as glue to keep it together.

People with celiac disease should avoid gluten because it can cause serious damage to their small intestines. Find out more about celiac disease and the symptoms of this disease.

Why can't people with celiac disease eat gluten?

Celiac disease affects the small intestine, which is where the majority of food nutrients are absorbed. Gluten can trigger an immune response in people with celiac disease. When consuming gluten, people with celiac disease can experience a variety of mild to serious conditions, including:

Intestinal damage

The autoimmune reaction to gluten can cause damage to the wall of the small intestine. When the small intestine's wall structure is damaged, the intestine's ability to absorb nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, and folic acid is reduced, which can lead to malnutrition.

Causes diarrhea

For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten can cause diarrhea. Gluten causes inflammation, which manifests itself as diarrheal symptoms. Diarrhea in people with Celiac disease can range from mild to severe.

Serious complications

Untreated celiac disease and continued consumption of gluten-containing foods can result in serious complications such as neurological disorders, liver damage, heart problems, and an increased risk of bowel cancer.

Read more: Signs You Need Doctor's Help With Your Diarrhea

Symptoms of Celiac disease

Celiac disease symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. The most common symptoms of this disease are:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Bloating and gas
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation

In addition to the symptoms listed above, some people experience several other symptoms that are not related to the digestive system, such as:

• Anemia, due to iron deficiency
• Loss of bone density
• Itchy, rashy skin with blisters
• Mouth ulcers
• Headaches and fatigue
• Nervous system injury such as numbness and tingling in the feet and hands
• Joint pain
• Decreased spleen function
• Increased liver enzymes

Symptoms of Celiac disease in children include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Chronic diarrhea
• Swollen abdomen
• Constipation
• Gassy
• Bad-smelling and pale-colored stools
• Tooth enamel damage
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Fussy
• Delayed puberty

Read more: Is A Gluten-Free Diet Safe For The Body?

When should I see a doctor?

You should go to the doctor or take your child to the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Pale
• Irritable or irritable
• Stunted growth of the child
• Distended abdomen
• Unpleasant stool odor

If someone is diagnosed with celiac disease, they must stop eating gluten to prevent the onset of symptoms. Stopping gluten will allow the small intestine to heal and absorb nutrients more effectively.

The doctor may also prescribe additional supplements to address nutritional deficiencies, corticosteroid medications to treat severe inflammation, and monitor the condition's progression.

It is important to note that not everyone needs to avoid gluten. Only people with celiac disease should avoid gluten. If you suspect you have celiac disease, consult a doctor for an accurate evaluation and diagnosis.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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